Calvin Klein's Ex-Wife Kelly Klein Maintains Friendship After Divorce

Kelly Klein's fashion career, marriage, and close relationship with John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette are explored in the new FX series "Love Story".

Feb. 27, 2026 at 9:26pm

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Kelly Klein, the ex-wife of fashion designer Calvin Klein, has maintained a close friendship with her former husband even after their divorce in 2006. Kelly started out working as an assistant designer at Calvin Klein's fashion house before becoming his muse. The two were married for 20 years, though separated for half that time. Their relationship and friendship with John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette are now being explored in the FX series "Love Story". Since her divorce, Kelly has focused on photography, interior design, and launching her own ceramics company, while also spending time with her son and pursuing her lifelong passion for horses.

Why it matters

Kelly Klein's story provides a glimpse into the inner circle of the fashion industry in the 1980s and 1990s, as well as the personal lives of prominent figures like Calvin Klein, John F. Kennedy Jr., and Carolyn Bessette. Her continued friendship with her ex-husband also demonstrates the ability to maintain positive relationships after a divorce. Additionally, Kelly's pivot to new creative pursuits like photography and ceramics shows her versatility and resilience.

The details

Kelly Klein met Calvin Klein while working as an assistant designer at Ralph Lauren. Though initially turned down for a job at Calvin Klein's company, she eventually landed a position as an assistant designer in 1981 after running into Calvin at Studio 54. The two began dating shortly after and married in Rome in 1986. Kelly became Calvin's muse, helping create iconic moments for the brand, including making men's underwear for women that generated $70 million in sales in 1984. After 20 years of marriage, 10 of which were spent separated, Kelly and Calvin divorced in 2006 but have maintained a close friendship. In the years since, Kelly has pursued photography, interior design, and launched her own ceramics company, while also spending time with her son and riding horses.

  • Kelly Klein started working as an assistant designer at Calvin Klein's company in 1981.
  • Kelly and Calvin Klein married in Rome in 1986.
  • Kelly and Calvin Klein separated after 10 years of marriage.
  • Kelly and Calvin Klein's divorce was finalized in 2006.
  • Kelly and Calvin Klein were photographed together at New York Fashion Week in February 2025.

The players

Kelly Klein

Calvin Klein's ex-wife who started out as an assistant designer at his fashion house before becoming his muse. She has since pursued photography, interior design, and launched her own ceramics company.

Calvin Klein

Renowned fashion designer who was married to Kelly Klein from 1986 to 2006, though they were separated for half of that time. They have maintained a close friendship since their divorce.

John F. Kennedy Jr.

Close friend of Kelly Klein and Calvin Klein, who is the subject of the FX series "Love Story" along with his wife Carolyn Bessette.

Carolyn Bessette

Close friend of Kelly Klein and wife of John F. Kennedy Jr., who is the subject of the FX series "Love Story" along with her husband.

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What they’re saying

“My whole life changed with Calvin. He would walk into the room, and it was just like the lights went on. The movie started every single day. I was so much more special when he came into the room.”

— Kelly Klein

“It was some kind of magic. He fell in love with her and she madly with him. They didn't care who was around. They showed it, kissing and holding each other and having fun and cuddling.”

— John Calcagno, Former Calvin Klein employee

What’s next

Kelly Klein and Calvin Klein are expected to continue attending events together, demonstrating the enduring nature of their friendship even after their divorce.

The takeaway

Kelly Klein's story highlights the complexities of relationships in the fashion industry, as well as the ability to maintain meaningful connections even after the end of a marriage. Her diverse creative pursuits since leaving the fashion world show her resilience and adaptability.